Toward a Tactile Sovereignty: Aesthetics and Geopolitics of Autonomous City-State ForToward a Tactile Sovereignty: Aesthetics and Geopolitics of Autonomous City-State Formation Within Nationsmation Within Nations

As the Westphalian nation-state model dissolves and the world shifts toward private enclaves and autonomous city-states, this research examines tactile sovereignty architecture as a novel framework to replace impenetrable political walls with intelligent membranes. The primary objective is designing a system for establishing autonomous city-states within nations, transitioning from elite segregation toward integrated urban fabric and civilizational zones.This study employs a theoretical-synthetic methodology, synthesizing geopolitical analysis, theoretical case studies (Neom vs. Noor-City), and adaptation of Clive Easterling’s extrastatecraft principles. The research corpus comprises existing urban models (e.g., Prospera, Neom, Noor-City) and historical Iranian dry-region practices (e.g., qanats, sardabs) as indigenous templates for tactile sovereignty architecture.Data collection tools included textual analysis and comparative case studies, with validity confirmed through alignment with scientific principles (fractal geometry, sovereignty aesthetics, cognitive architecture). Data analysis followed a conceptual and comparative structure based on enclosed urbanism and civilizational zone theoretical frameworks.Results indicate that tactile sovereignty architecture—through intelligent membranes (vs. walls), civilizational zones (vs. enclosed urbanism), and sovereignty aesthetics grounded in harmony and resilience—can:۱. Prevent social segregation۲. Ensure ecological sustainability via invisible infrastructure and flexible mat foundations۳. Create immaterial aesthetic experiences (e.g., transparency as sovereignty, cognitive architecture)This model transforms sovereignty from wall to bridge and the city into a substrate for meaning production and consciousness elevation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Tactile sovereignty architecture ، Intelligent membranes ، Civilizational zones ، Enclosed urbanism ، Sovereignty aesthetics